Potato care guide
Solanum tuberosum
Also known as: Irish potato
Pets and children
Considered toxic
The sprouts, green skin, leaves, and stems, not the tuber you eat, are rich in solanine, which poisons people too; dogs and cats may vomit, get diarrhea, or tremble, so keep sprouted tubers and foliage out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if any is eaten.
How often to water Potato
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- It dislikes wet soil: as a guide, water thoroughly after the topsoil dries, going easy right after planting and keeping it on the dry side for about a week before harvest.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- The autumn crop is growing; water about when the topsoil dries, as a guide, and hold off during runs of rain.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Generally out of season; a late autumn crop waiting for harvest gets a sparing watering a few days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Potato
A sunny, airy spot is about right; grow it in a planter or bag at least about 30 cm deep, hilling up twice so the tubers stay covered and do not turn green, and note that it prefers cool weather.
Overwintering Potato
Overwintering guide: 0°C (32°F) or above
Generally there are two crops, planted in late February or March and again in September, so winter is off-season; the sprouts are frost-tender, so as a guide cover them with fleece when a late frost is forecast.
Fertilizing and repotting Potato
Fertilizer
The base fertilizer at planting does most of the work; as a guide, add a small dose of granular fertilizer twice, when thinning the sprouts and when hilling up, since excess nitrogen gives leaves instead of tubers.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Potato
- The seed potato rots from watering or rain right after planting.
- Without enough hilling, exposed tubers turn green in the sun.
- Left unthinned, the plant yields many tiny tubers.
Tips for growing Potato
- Use certified seed potatoes; grocery-store tubers can carry disease.
- When the sprouts are about 10 cm tall, keep the two or three strongest and pull the rest.
- Dig the tubers after a few dry days once the foliage yellows and dies back.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
